Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Lexington, MA: $198,392 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Lexington, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $198,392/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Lexington's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $182,850 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking to maximize earnings in the physician assistant profession, the potential for top-tier salaries in Lexington, Massachusetts is significant. In 2026, senior physician assistants can aim for an impressive annual income of up to $198,392, with a median salary pegged at $146,013. This reflects a notable experience premium, presenting a stark contrast between the median and the highest earners. To break into this upper echelon of pay, professionals must cultivate advanced skills and possibly specialize in high-demand areas, emphasizing surgical or emergency medicine expertise that aligns with market needs. Achieving a position within the top 10% of earners hinges on the right blend of clinical proficiency, specialized training, and career trajectory.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Lexington earn between $174,215 and $198,392 per year (2026 est.). This $85,514 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lexington median of $146,013 sits 4% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lexington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $146,013 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,215 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $198,392 | $196,597 |
In Lexington, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 35.87% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Lexington
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $146,013 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lexington employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Lexington command premium compensation, often reaching the $174,215–$198,392 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lexington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Lexington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physician Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Lexington
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLexington ranks #45 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $198,392).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Lexington ($198,392) is 3.97% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($206,596).
2019 BLS Actual
$158,554
2025 BLS Actual
$192,017
2026 Current Est.
$198,392
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $158,554 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,953 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,123 | Actual |
| 2022 | $169,655 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,349 | Actual |
| 2024 | $190,141 | Actual |
| 2025 | $192,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $198,392 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $204,979 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Lexington saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $158,554 in 2019 to $192,017 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $204,979 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Physician Assistant Earnings in Lexington
Analyzing the salary data more deeply reveals exciting opportunities and pathways for advancement in Lexington's healthcare environment. Specialties such as surgical PA roles in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as positions in emergency medicine and critical care, command premium compensations that surpass the average. Employment type significantly influences earning potential as well; those affiliated with hospital systems often benefit from structured salaries and bonuses, while surgical specialty practices and urgent care chains may offer variable compensation models including RVU productivity bonuses. To further elevate their profiles, seasoned physician assistants might pursue leadership roles, such as lead PA or program faculty positions, or obtain advanced credentials like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA certification. Such qualifications not only bolster senior physician assistant pay in MA but also enhance one's ability to navigate the complexities of a rewarding career while balancing non-salary benefits that further enrich professional life.
More salary data for Lexington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Lexington in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Lexington?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Lexington?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Lexington?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Lexington?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $192,017 for physician assistants in the Lexington metro area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lexington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov